"I don't know what you're?—"
"The ring." My voice drops. Deadly quiet. "Her engagement ring. The one you ripped off her finger while she lay bleeding on the floor. Where is it?"
"I don't?—"
I move the knife.
Just slightly.
Just enough to nick Susie's throat.
A thin line of blood wells up.
She screams. "Where is it?!"
"Bedroom!" Ted's composure cracks. "Top drawer of my dresser. Left side. It's there, I swear it's there."
"Go get it. Now. You try anything—anything at all—and I open her throat."
He moves.
Fast.
Disappears down the hallway.
I hear drawers opening.
Rustling, then footsteps returning.
He appears with something in his hand.
Small.
Glinting.
My heart clenches.
Ingrid's ring.
The emerald catches the light as he holds it out.
"Take it. Just take it and leave."
"Set it on the table. Then step back."
He does.
I guide Susie toward the table, keeping her between me and Ted.
Pick up the ring.
It's warm from being in the drawer.
But intact.
Undamaged.
I slip it into my pocket.
